April 19, 2021by Sasha Ella

Discover the Eastern Province of Rwanda

Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites truly has something for everyone! Located just 2 hours drive from Rwanda’s capital, Kigali through rolling hills that make up the lush countryside you pass through.

With its variety of offerings & dining facilities, including a deli & coffee bar, hotel restaurant & bar, and a pool restaurant & bar. The hotel, with its 77 well-appointed rooms is a destination that caters for the work and business-orientated traveler with its well-appointed conference center and banqueting facility.

For our leisure guests, the hotel boasts a Children’s Playroom, a serene pool area with adult and children swimming pools, 2 floodlit tennis courts and basketball court, nearby hiking and mountain biking trails for those looking to immerse themselves in nature, and the popular, locally guided Liberation Trail.

EPIC Hotel & Suites are available to recommend and book various excursions where guests can expect to gain insight and interact with the community learning how they keep bees, the making of cottage cheese, milking the cows, prepare and cook local meals, local arts & crafts, and what an average day is like in Rwandan life.

Depending on your interest, there is so much on offer, here are some of our highlights:

Nyagatare traditional song and dance experience

Witness unique storytelling as the Rwandan people tell tales of the Kingdoms and the history of their people and their country through song and dance. Enjoy the vibrant mix of dancing, drums, and singing in the unique rhythms as you witness the truly traditional moments by passionate locals.

Nyagatare Dairy Farm Experience

Experience Rwandan traditional on the Nyagatare Dairy Farm which gives guests a first-hand journey on various processes. Learn about the long history of the region, from the King to the species of cows and the milk and cheese that is produced by the farm. Guests will be shown the entire process from the milking of the cows to the songs that are sung to the cows as an encouragement to improve the milking process and all the way to the production process. Guests will also see some traditional crafts which are made from the cowhides as well as cow dung. The tour ends with a traditional breakfast with your guide.

Nyagatare craft beer

We bet you never experienced beer made from bananas! This tour will teach you about how the locals have mastered the art of beer making with bananas!

The Nyagatare traditional food and cultural tour

Embark on a tour to traditional huts to learn about the history of the people and their arts and crafts. Witness the techniques of the locals as they grind the wheat and sogram and prepare traditional foods.

Guided Adventure/Hiking tour

Explore the elevated hills and witness panoramic views while your guide points out landmarks and explains the historical importance to the area. For the more adventurous guests, there is the option to canoe down the Mavumba river through the spectacular display of the natural area which is densely populated by Acacia Trees which are unique to this region.

Nyagatare Nature Walk

Be a part of generational knowledge as you traipse through the farms in the region and learn the family techniques including knowledge of herbal medicine.

Guided Biking tour

Bike through the local village of Nyagatare to gain better insight into the daily life of the locals.

Akagera National Park Game Viewing Experience

Situated close to the only Big Five Reserve in Rwanda (45mins from the North Gate), guests have easy access to traipse through the largest protected wetland in central Africa. Experience various sightings of the plethora of bird and animal species that have made the park their home.

Nyagatare Umuganda Experience

Give back to a country that is sure to enrich you with meaningful experiences and true hospitality. Take part in the Umuganda experience which takes part on the last Saturday of every month between 08:00 – 11:00. Umuganda is a tradition where locals and visitors come together to improve the region from small tasks such as picking up rubbish to planting trees and various conservation efforts Join the experience by contributing your time and meet the Governor of Nyagatare.

Nyagatare Guided Birding Experience

See who can tick off the most on the species list provided while you search through the trees and the skies to spot the birds, butterflies and monkeys found in the Eastern Province.

The Rwandan Liberation Tour

Gain insight as the tour walks you through the days of the genocide and the ultimate liberation told from a local perspective.

Please feel free to speak to one of our friendly personnel to enquire and book any of these experiences when staying at Mantis EPIC Hotel & Suites.